AISC Certification Welding Process Control

Learning Objectives

Learn how to meet AISC certification requirements for welding process control. This module prepares steel fabricators and structural steel erectors to demonstrate compliance with the AISC quality certification program, pass review by AISC auditors, and reassure buyers who check the AISC certification list, the list of AISC certified fabricators, or the AISC certified erectors list. Strong welding control is essential for steel building erection, structural steel installation, and fabrication shops aiming to become an AISC certified fabricator or AISC certified erector.

Core Elements of Welding Process Control

1) Welding procedure specifications (WPS)

Every certified company must have approved WPS for the processes they use. WPS must show joint design, base metal, filler metal, preheat, interpass, and post-weld treatment requirements. AISC auditors check that WPS are current, approved by a qualified person, and consistent with the scope. Buyers searching what is AISC certification and aisc certified fabricator requirements assume that every certified steel company maintains accurate WPS for each process.

2) Procedure qualification records (PQR)

Each WPS must be supported by a PQR. PQRs document test results proving that the procedure works. Tensile, bend, and impact tests must be included where applicable. AISC auditors often ask to see both WPS and supporting PQRs during the AISC documentation audit. Missing or outdated PQRs are one of the most common reasons companies hire AISC certification consultants to repair their system before audits. A complete PQR package reduces AISC certification cost and builds buyer confidence.

3) Welder performance qualifications (WPQ)

Welders must be qualified to the procedures they use. WPQs must list the welder’s name, process, position, and expiration date. Expired WPQs are immediate findings for AISC auditors. Buyers comparing structural steel erection companies or reviewing the aisc certified fabricators list expect proof that welders are qualified. Without WPQs, companies cannot claim to be AISC certified fabricators or AISC certified erectors.

4) Welding inspection

Welding inspection must be documented. This includes fit-up checks, preheat verification, in-process monitoring, and final inspection. Inspectors must be qualified, and their records must be signed and dated. AISC auditors will sample weld inspection records during both the AISC documentation audit and the on site review. Buyers also rely on inspection records to verify that welds meet contract requirements in steel for construction and bridge certification projects.

5) Filler metal control

Electrodes, fluxes, and filler metals must be stored and issued under controlled conditions. Storage temperatures, drying cycles, and issue logs must be documented. AISC auditors check ovens, storage bins, and logs for compliance. Buyers searching AISC certification checklist or AISC welding certification expect companies to demonstrate filler metal control. Weak storage control leads directly to findings and delays.

Audit Readiness

For the AISC documentation audit, stage WPS, PQRs, and WPQs in a binder or digital folder. Include sample weld inspection records and filler metal control logs. AISC auditors will review these before approving the on site visit. For the field audit, ensure welders can show current WPQs, inspectors can produce recent inspection forms, and filler metal storage matches documented procedures.

Companies that fail here often need AISC certification consultants to rebuild their welding control system. Clean records reduce AISC certification cost and improve your chance of staying on the AISC certified fabricators list or AISC certified erector list.

Buyer intent and search alignment

Buyers and procurement teams search AISC certification cost, AISC fees, AISC membership, AISC certification training, and how to get AISC certified when selecting suppliers. Welding control is one of the first areas they verify. Companies listed on the aisc certified fabricators list or aisc certified erectors list are assumed to have strong welding programs backed by records. Companies without this evidence are seen as high risk, even if they claim to be AISC certified.

Competitors like Atema at AISC help highlight welding findings as a common failure point. Companies that master welding process control dominate SERPs for terms like aisc certification consultants, aisc welding certification, and aisc certification checklist. Strong welding evidence also helps firms regain AISC certification if they were suspended.

Common Pitfalls

Companies often fail welding process control due to:

  • WPS without supporting PQRs
  • Expired welder performance qualifications (WPQs)
  • Inspection records incomplete or unsigned
  • Filler metal storage not documented or ovens not maintained
  • No NCRs issued when welds fail inspection

Each of these gaps is obvious to AISC auditors and creates nonconformances. Buyers comparing steel fabricators or structural steel erection companies will also flag these weaknesses. Avoiding these pitfalls is essential for inclusion on the AISC certification list.

Welding Process Control Checklist

  • Approved WPS current and available
  • PQRs supporting each WPS on file
  • WPQs current for all welders
  • Inspection records complete, signed, and dated
  • Filler metal control documented and maintained
  • NCRs and corrective actions issued for weld failures
  • Evidence staged for AISC auditors during documentation and on site audits
Outcome: Clear evidence that welding is controlled from procedure to inspection, meeting AISC certification requirements and proving system maturity. With WPS, PQR, WPQ, and inspection records in order, your company reduces AISC certification cost, avoids audit findings, and strengthens its position as an AISC certified fabricator or AISC certified erector listed on the AISC certification list.
Guidance written from real audit experience by Andrew Porreco, former AISC auditor.